Athlete Funding

The 2004 U.S. Olympic Team Trials Men's 50 km Race Walk funding policy is different from previous Olympic Trials. Funding is not based on qualifying standards. Athletes will receive funding, to help defray their expenses, if they have met one of the following criteria:

• An athlete ranked in the top 50 in the world, according to the 2003 IAAF Performance List as of 12/31/03, and who has met the Olympic Trials qualifying mark in the 50 km Race Walk during the Olympic Trials qualifying period (January 1, 2002 - February 1, 2004) will receive $1,000. The athlete must compete in the Olympic Trials to receive funding. These athletes will receive funds prior to the start of their race; however, if an athlete decides not to compete in the Olympic Trials, the funds must be returned to USATF. Notification of the method of funds distribution will be provided at a later date.
• The top 12 finishers at the Olympic Trials, not previously qualified for funding based on their 2003 performance, will receive $1,000. These athletes will receive their checks after drug test results from the Olympic Trials have been received and confirmed.
• Athletes whose entry into the Olympic Trials is based solely on the automatic qualification provision are not eligible to receive funding based on the automatic qualification unless they have also met the criteria listed above.